My response came automatically. “I love you, too.”
“Somehow, I thought we’d wait until we got back from dinner for that."
“Once I saw how happy you were, I couldn't wait.”
She kissed my face. “I like the sound of that.”
“You smell amazing.”
Burying her face in my neck, she replied, “I bought the lotion they used because I love the scent.”
“Good.”
When she spoke again, her voice was tentative. “I didn't use the credit card you gave me.”
“Why not?” Sitting up abruptly, I tried not to headbutt her. “I specifically wanted to spoil you today.”
She nibbled on her lip. “I’m not used to you spending money on me yet, and I know how much the damn dress cost, not to mention the restaurant you’re taking me to.”
“I have the money, Sailor.”
“Well, I’m not a broke bitch, either.”
“It’s not a comparison that I’m after.” Holding her face in my hands, I said, “It was to show you my affection. To give you something you’d enjoy.”
“You paid for the spa and the dress. I paid for the skincare and the, um.”
My brows went up. “The what?”
Her cheeks tinged red. “The lingerie.”
“Oh, my fuck.”
The white cotton bra and underwear she normally wore didn't bother me, but the idea of her in lingerie made it difficult to focus.
“When can I see it?”
“After dinner, silly.”
I had to try hard not to grin at her. “Promise?”
“Oh, definitely. The look on your face right now is already making it worth it.”
“I can’t wait.”
The painful talks would have to wait for another day.
Chapter Twenty-one
Sailor
For once in my life, I needed the feds to show up unexpectedly. I had to tell them that I was done with them; I couldn't keep acting as their eyes and ears, even if I’d stopped feeding them information after the Costa house bombing. If the truth came out, it wouldn't matter how long I’d been their mole. Just the fact that I was involved with them at all would damage my relationships irrevocably.
Texting Marshal Berkshire, I told him I wanted to terminate my arrangement with the FBI. Though it irked me to have to turn to him in my time of need, I didn't know who else I could talk to. I knew I couldn't trust any of them, that was for certain, but he was the oldest connection to law enforcement I had.
But the last thing I expected was to find Agent Lauder waiting for me outside the grocery store when I exited later that afternoon.
“Get the fuck in my car,” she snarled at me.
